Obituaries on this page:

Larry George Kitchen
Iona D. Markwardt
Brian Anderson
Gilbert A. Mills
Kata Eilers Gysendorfer
Joe E. Kern
Frank D. Rayhons
Sandra D. Fischer
Rhonda Leigh Saucke
Edith Lorraine Bobst
Minnie Busch
Gilbert Andrew Mills
Frank Dale Rayhons, Jr.
Joseph Edward "Joe” Kern
Doris Maxine DuClos
John A. Holmes
Helen M. Henderson
Dorothy V. Frein
Dorothy Veronica Frein
Larry M. Stark
Catherine M. Johnston

Larry George Kitchen

On Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, Larry George Kitchen passed away while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Born on Jan. 24, 1934 in Ames, Iowa to George and Ann Kitchen, Larry married Janice Kay Ritter on Jan. 18, 1957. They had two children, Deb Winchester (husband Paul) and Jeff Kitchen (wife Kristi) and four grandchildren; Matt and Anna Winchester and William and Katelyn Kitchen. Larry had two brothers; Lowell Kitchen (deceased) and Tom Kitchen of Des Moines, Iowa.

Larry attended Clear Lake High School and the University of Iowa before graduating from Drake University in Des Moines in 1959. He served two years in the United States Army prior to college and was stationed in Germany for part of his service. Upon college graduation, Larry went to work for the Bankers Life Company/Principal Financial Group, where he retired after a 40-year career.

In 1996, Larry and Jan moved to Fort Myers Beach, Fla. for retirement. They often wintered in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Larry loved people and was a man of faith in Christ. He found goodness in everyone and considered strangers simply as friends he had yet to meet. He enjoyed any new adventure and loved to laugh and tease. A loving spouse, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Larry leaves the world a better place and set the bar a little higher for us all.

A memorial is established in his name at Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church, Fort Myers Beach.

Iona D. Markwardt

Iona D. Markwardt, 95, Clear Lake, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 at Mercy Hospital, Mason City, Iowa following hip surgery.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 1, at the Swaledale United Methodist Church, Swaledale, Iowa with the Rev. John Scherb officiating. Interment was at the Hillside Cemetery, Sheffield, Iowa. Memorials may be given to the Iona D. Markwardt Memorial Fund.

Iona was born Nov. 13, 1915 in rural Erwin, S.D., the daughter of Gilbert and Zella (Derry) Blakewell. Her family moved to Iowa in 1933 after she graduated from high school. She lived most of her remaining life in Cerro Gordo County with a few years in Franklin County, and in Minnesota. In 1937 she married Harold Markwardt and they farmed in Cerro Gordo County. To this union were born three children.

Iona enjoyed dancing, doing crossword puzzles and cryptograms and she loved reading. Iona was known for her cinnamon rolls, buns and chocolate cookies. She volunteered for many years at Opportunity Village and was a great supporter of Opportunity Village. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Swaledale.

Iona is survived by three children, Keith (Letha) Markwardt, Mason City, Roy (Patty) Markwardt, Clear Lake, and Karen Markwardt-Blakewell and friend Ruth Welscott, Sioux Falls, S.D.; nine grandchildren, Douglas (Kerstin) Markwardt, Philip (Rose) Markwardt, Scott (Marilyn) Markwardt, Judy (Dan) Oberheu, Chad Markwardt, Justin (Wendy) Markwardt, Randy (Anita) Jurgens, Lori Zapata, and Carol (Steve) Hugo; 29 great-grandchildren, Alex and Erik Markwardt, Amber (Steve) Matassa, Candace, Tonya, Heather Markwardt, Nathan, Mandy, Maggie Wendel, Mason, Carter, Gage Oberheu, Delaney and Carter Markwardt, Samantha, Derek and Taylor Markwardt, Brandi and Brad Davis, Jacob Jurgens, Duran, Elisa, Nadine, Pernell Jr. Blackfish, Kelly and Jessica Elbert, Kassidee Caunt, Laura Garres, and Daniel Hugo; eight great-great-grandchildren, Heidi Davis, Dessiah, Durnell, Duran Jr., Darrance Blackfish, Jorge Blackfish and Neriah and Jurae Hoffman-Blackfish; two sisters-in-law, Edna Peters, Rockwell, Iowa and Laura Froning, Albert Lea, Minn.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Iona was preceded in death by her parents; great-grandson, Kodi Elbert; father of her children, Harold Markwardt; granddaughter, Lonnie Jurgens; and brother, Clair (Lois) Blakewell.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Brian Anderson

Brian Anderson, 49, of Clear Lake, died Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa. Services are pending at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake.

Gilbert A. Mills

Gilbert A. Mills, 100, of Clear Lake, formerly Washington, Iowa died Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. Services are pending at the Jones Funeral Home, 116 E. Main St., Washington, Iowa.

Kata Eilers Gysendorfer

Betty Catherine (BK) aka Kata Eilers Gysendorfer was born in Youngstown, Ohio on Sept. 3, 1939 to Martin Eilers and Rubye Nelson Eilers. She was baptized at Sacred Heart Church in Youngstown and dedicated to the Sacred Heart. She dedicated her life to the Eucharist on her First Communion Day.

BK graduated from Luana High School, Luana, Iowa in 1957, from Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa in 1961 with a BA in English Education, Latin, and Theology; from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, in 1970 with a Masters in Theatre and Communication. She taught high school English, Speech, and Latin, and chaired the Language Arts Departments at M-F-L High School, Monona, Iowa and South Tama High School, Toledo, Iowa. She directed the Laboratory High School Speech and Debate Department and supervised student teachers at the University of Iowa.

Father Gregory Bezy invited her to teach at CADET High School in Holly Springs, Miss. from 1970 to 1972. From 1972-74 she was assistant director of Patricia Stevens Career College and Modeling Agency, Memphis, Tenn.

On Sept. 7, 1973 she married Steve P. Gysendorfer from Riverside, Calif. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Holly Springs, Miss. She was asked to begin an integrated religious education program in 1974 for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Holly Springs. She served in many capacities in religious education and gave pre-school training sessions and RCIA training sessions for the diocese of Jackson and assisted in preparing RENEW videos and training materials for the Diocesan Director of Religious Education.

From 1992-1998 she taught Business Communication and Oral Communication for NWM Community College Vo-Tech Center in Ashland, Miss., and served as Parish Programs Facilitator from 1998-2002 at St. Joseph’s in Holly Springs.

Kata had poetry published in Emmanuel, Mid South Poetry Magazine, and World’s Top Poets. She won first place at Tupelo Gum Tree Festival’s Southern Writers Conference focusing poetry on Eucharist.

She died at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Gysendorfer; one brother, Gerald Eilers; a sister, Margaret Rose (Eilers) Bertrand; and parents, Martin and Rubye Eilers.

She is survived by one brother, Dennis (Gwen) Eilers of Luana, Iowa; three sisters, Karen (Jim) Orr of Bettendorf, Iowa, Eileen (Tony) Dudek of Cody, Wyo., Anita (Paul)Langholz of Clear Lake; one brother-in-law, Bill Betrand of Delta, Colo., and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 11 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 518 South 2nd Street, Guttenberg, Iowa. Inurnment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Family will be available at the church one hour before the service. Memorials may be given to Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake is in charge of local arrangements.

Joe E. Kern

Joe E. Kern, 81, of 5289 South Shore Dr., Clear Lake, Iowa died Monday, March 7, 2011 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 11, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave. S., Clear Lake. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel with a scriptural wake service at 7 p.m.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, is in charge of arrangements.

Frank D. Rayhons

Frank D. Rayhons, 309 Park Dr., Ventura, Iowa, died Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at his home.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, 10:30 a.m., March 12, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave. S., Clear Lake, Iowa, with Rev. John R. Tilp officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. with a scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake. Interment will be at St. Boniface Cemetery, Garner, Iowa.

Other arrangements are incomplete at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.

Sandra D. Fischer

Sandra D. Fischer, 74, formerly of Clear Lake, died Thursday, March 3, 2011 at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt, Iowa.

Memorial services were held Sunday, March 6 at the Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake with the Rev. Randy Nielsen officiating. Inurnment will be at a later time in the Eldora Cemetery, Eldora, Iowa. Family suggests memorials to Hospice of North Iowa.

Sandra was born May 27, 1936 in Sheboygan, Wis., the daughter of Willard and Jeanne (Minnich) Rabe. She attended school there before moving to Clear Lake in 1952, where she graduated from high school. She worked at Unisys for 13 plus years. She then attended NIACC and earned her certified nurses aide degree. She worked at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, for many years. She was a volunteer at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City. She was honored as one of the first recipients of the Giving Yourself Award. She was well known for giving of herself and going well beyond. She enjoyed the coffee group that met at the Back Yard Deli. She was a member of Galilean Lutheran Church, were she served in many different capacities.

Sandra was married to Donald Chadwell. To this union their son, Steven, was born. She later married John E. Haxton. To this union Marcus and Todd Haxton were born. In 1968 she married Simon Fischer.

Sandra moved to Apple Valley Assisted Living Aug. 17, 2005. She then moved to Garner Concord Care Center in 2008.

Sandra is survived by three sons, Steven Chadwell, Yuba City, Calif., Marcus Haxton and his fiancé, Becky Kofron, Clear Lake, and Todd (Marie) Haxton, Santa Maria, Calif.; five grandchildren, Claire, Alex, Vanessa, Todd Jr. and Shawn; one great-grandson, Anthony; two special nieces, Robin Ames and Jody (Kevin) Weiss; great-nephews, Kyle and Jacob Weiss; and extended family, Scot and Stephaine Kofron and their children Colby, Kyle and Colin and Stephanie Kofron and her son, Jacob.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Simon; and a brother, Barry Rabe.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Rhonda Leigh Saucke

Rhonda Leigh Saucke, 53, passed away Friday, March 4, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center.

A visitation and celebration in her memory will begin at 4 p.m. at Opportunity Village, Clear Lake, on Friday, March 11, 2011 with Pastor Rich Murray officiating. A worship service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 North Pennslyvania Ave., Mason City, with Pastor Jim Magelssen officiating and visitation taking place one hour prior to service. Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at the Gowrie Township Cemetery.

Rhonda was born May 4, 1957, the daughter of Ted and Bea Saucke, Clear Lake, and was baptized in the Lutheran faith. After completing her education under the caring and loving direction of Roberta Van De Walker, Rhonda graduated from Mason City Community Schools in 1976, after which she started her weekday attendance at Opportunity Village. Rhonda resided with her parents in Clear Lake until the time of their deaths in 2004, and has lived with her sister Linda (Tom) in Mason City since that time.

Rhonda’s family would like to thank loyal staff and residents at Opportunity Village, Cerro Gordo County Public Transit and Salvation Army Adult Day Care for enhancing her life and helping Rhonda blossom through the years. She immensely enjoyed those weekday activities, and thrived on the busy evening and weekend activities with family and vacation travels to cities in Arizona and Montreal.

Rhonda is survived by her sisters Lois Saucke (Serge Lacelle) of Montreal/Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada and Linda (Tom) Sage of Mason City, nieces Renay Nestvedt; Erin and Amy Saucke-Lacelle; and nephews Matt (Jessy) Sage and Eric Saucke-Lacelle; great nephews Tyler, Justis and Chase Nestvedt and Braydyn Sage, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents.

A special thank you is extended to the dear friends and family who kept her in their prayers. The family sincerely appreciates the medical services given Rhonda by Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Clinic. Your care and affection was genuine.

The family requests memorials be given to the Rhonda L. Saucke Memorial Fund.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Edith Lorraine Bobst

Edith Lorraine Bobst, 87, of Clear Lake, died Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, at the Quality Senior Care Center, Peoria, Ariz.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Interment was at the Dumont Cemetery, Dumont, IA. Memorials may be given to the Edith L. Bobst Memorial Fund.

Edith was born Jan. 20, 1924 in Hampton, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Vesta (Bamlett) Buttjer. She attended school in Hansell, Iowa and was on the basketball team. Edith married Beryl Dale Bobst June 4, 1939 in Edina, Minn. They farmed in the Hansell and Dougherty area until 1962, then moved to the rural Clear Lake area where she lived the rest of her life.

Edith loved to cook and can, she was a great seamstress and gardener, attended local dances and enjoyed playing cards with friends. She was known as the pie lady at the Farmer’s Market in Mason City and Clear Lake. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Busy Bee Club in Clear Lake.

Edith is survived by two daughters, Arthena Freeseman, Greene, Iowa and Katherine (James) Smith, Phoenix, Ariz.; five grandchildren Terri Lea (Paul) Blanchard, Kevin Freeseman, Dawn (Thomas) Craighton, Bradley (Margaret) Smith and Sandra (Richard) Holley; nine great-grandchildren Chelsea Lea (Deric) Schroeder, Dillon Keifer; Tiffany Lee (Bill) Mathei, Melanie Freeseman; Jamie Lee, Jered and Jordan McLennen; and London Kaye and Ethan James Holley; four great-great-grandchildren, Devin Lee and Dreana Freeseman; and Ava Lea and Brea Schroeder; and one sister, Mildred Woodley, Burchinal, Iowa.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law, Gordon Lee Freeseman; three brothers, Raymond, Richard and Earl Buttjer and one sister, Edna Buttjer.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Minnie Busch

Minnie Priscilla Busch, 94, of 5 N. Weimer St., Ventura, Iowa passed away at her home with her family at her side on Saturday morning March 5, 2011.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Ventura United Methodist Church, Ventura, Iowa with Rev. Rhoda Preston officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Swaledale, Iowa. Family suggests memorials to Minnie Busch memorial fund.

Minnie was born Feb. 11, 1917 in rural Swaledale, the daughter of Elmer and Kate (Peters) Hess. She graduated from Swaledale High School in 1936 and graduated from LaJames Beauty School in 1937. Following graduation, she worked in Mason City as a beautician. She married Paul John Busch on Jan. 5, 1947 in Davenport, Iowa. In 1953 they moved to Ventura where she owned and operated Minnie’s Beauty Shop, until she retired at the age of 92.

Her life centered around family and friends. She loved fixing hair, and the social contact provided by her beauty shop brought her great pleasure. She was a long time member of Ventura United Methodist Church.

Minnie is survived by her two children, Craig Busch and his wife, Diane, Ventura, and Priscilla Mayland and her husband, Rick, Clear Lake, Iowa; six grandchildren, Katie Mayland, and her fiancé, Bryce Lumley, Osage, Iowa, Elliot Mayland and his wife,, Jessica, Nevada, Iowa, Troy Mayland and his wife, Lindsy, Rockwell, Iowa, Stacie Hieb and her husband, Larry, Kensett, Iowa, Callie Brager and her husband, Luke, Olympia, Wash. and Garrett Busch, Ames, Iowa; six great-grandchildren, Julianna Sauve, Hannah Sauve, Hailey Hieb, Zoey Hieb, Maesy Mayland and Ainsley Brager.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two infant brothers and a brother, George Hess.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Gilbert Andrew Mills

Gilbert Andrew Mills, 100, formerly of Washington, Iowa, died Friday, Feb., 25, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice inpatient unit, in Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 2 at the funeral home and following services during a time of food and fellowship at the United Methodist Church. Inurnment will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church of Washington, Iowa and Hospice of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.

Gilbert was born in Salem, Iowa, on Jan. 21, 1911, the son of Sarah (Peterson) and Jesse Mills. He married Maurine Matthews on April 25, 1936. His siblings were Clayton, Chester, Albert, Roy, Sylvia, Ellen, and Bertha.

After attending the Prairie Gem country school, Gilbert worked with his cousin, Sherman Mills, who owned an automotive repair shop in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Sherman taught Gilbert the skills of the automotive trade. He moved to Washington, Iowa, where he worked for his brother-in-law at Fenn Implements and then for Willits Motors as a mechanic.

Shortly after his marriage, Gilbert began his own automotive repair business on North Second in Washington. Later, he was awarded an American Motors Company automotive franchise. He was with American Motors for 35 years before he retired.

Gilbert enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, playing bridge, and many other card games. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Kiwanis, Isaak Walton League, and the Order of Odd Fellows.

Gilbert is survived by his two daughters, Beverley Jane (Richard) Elefson of Lake Ozark, Missouri and Darlene Mae (Nelson) Crabb of Clear Lake, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Steve (Alla) Elefson, Susan (John) Moriarty, Brad (Chris) Elefson, Amy (Wes) Doyle, Tina (Chris) Martin, Andy (Shawna) Crabb, and Katie (Shawn) Thedos; 13 great-grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maurine, in 2009, and his four brothers and three sisters.

Frank Dale Rayhons, Jr.　

Frank Dale Rayhons, Jr., also known as “Junior”, 78, of Ventura, died March 8, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family.

A Funeral Mass was held Saturday, March 12, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. John R. Tilp officiating. Interment was at St. Boniface Cemetery, Garner, Iowa with full military honors provided by the Garner V.F.W.

Junior was born April 8, 1932 in Garner, the son of Frank Michael and Vera Barbara (Engstler) Rayhons. He graduated from Hayfield High School in 1949 as valedictorian. Junior married Iris Schaefer on June 17, 1952 and to this union seven children were born.

Junior farmed until 1953, when he was drafted into the Army. He served as a sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955. He worked for American Cyanamid as manager until 1972. He continued farming, then worked for the State of Iowa as an Agricultural State Inspector for two years. On July 5, 1990 Junior married Naomi, and they sold real estate together. In addition to selling real estate, Junior managed several seed companies. Up until his death he was District Sales Manager for Prairie Brand Seed in Story City, Iowa and Cornelius Seed in Bellevue, Iowa, positions he held for the past 17 years.

Junior’s most recent hobbies included snowmobiling, boating, gardening, and, in his earlier years, camping and square dancing. He was the chairman of the Finance Committee at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where he ushered for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Garner V.F.W. Junior joined other veterans on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in September 2010, a trip he enjoyed very much.

Junior is survived by his sons, Randy (Karen) Rayhons, of Ventura, and their children Lindsey and Shelby; Scot Rayhons and friend, Barb Dugan, of Garner, and his son, Seth Townsend; daughters, Pam Adams of Sioux City, Iowa and her children, Aurora, Jasmine, Olivia, Velvet and Ian; Gina Britt of Ventura and her children, Cameron and Alix; Kelli (Matthew) Rejniak of Pittsburgh, Penn. and their children, Jema, Cora and Adam; Paige (Russ) Snyder of Alta, Iowa, and Polly (Jeff) Wolterman of Newell, Iowa, and their children, Derek and Connor; sisters, Arlene Frein, Garner, and Veronica Horecka, Veradale, Wash.; extended family and many friends.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Naomi; brothers-in-law, Don and Wilmer Frein, and Gilbert Horecka; and a nephew, Gary Frein. His sister, Dorothy Frein, died hours after his death.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Joseph Edward "Joe” Kern

Joseph Edward "Joe” Kern, 81, 5289 South Shore Dr., Clear Lake, died Monday, March 7, 2011 at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. A funeral Mass was held Friday, March 11, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. John R. Tilp officiating. Interment was at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Garner, Iowa with Military Honors provided by Garner V.F. W. Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa or Garner and Clear Lake Fire Depts.

Joe was born March 19, 1929 in Garner, the son of Kasper and Elizabeth (Simon) Kern. He graduated from Garner High School in 1946. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. Following the service, he returned to Garner where he and Pete Cropley were partners in the Cropley and Kern Service Station. Joe married Phyllis Haaf on June 26, 1957. He also owned and operated the Lakeview Motel in Clear Lake, the Coast to Coast Store in Garner, and from 1992 - 1999 they owned and operated the Ritz Supper Club. In recent years he worked for Midwest Pipe Supply.

Joe was a member of the Garner Fire Department and the Clear Lake Fire Department for over 25 years. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake and the Knights of Columbus.

Joe is survived by his wife, Phyllis Kern, Clear Lake: seven children, Tom (Valerie) Kern, Clear Lake, Barb Kern, Clear Lake, John Kern, Clear Lake, Dave (Diana) Kern, Clive, Iowa, Andy (Aimee) Kern, Clear Lake, Lois Kern, Clear Lake and Molly Kern, Clear Lake; five grandchildren, Kyle (Amy) Kern, Clear Lake, Jada Kern, Clear Lake, Claudia and Owen Kern, Clive and Carson Kern, Clear Lake; a brother, Albert (Betty) Kern; sister-in-law, Rose Kern, Wesley, Iowa and many special nieces and nephews, including Bob, Bonnie and Jessica.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Adam, George and Ambrose; two sisters, Ann Sheedy and Pauline Kern and anxiously waiting his arrival his Goddaughter and special niece, Diane.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Doris Maxine DuClos

Doris Maxine DuClos, 81, Clear Lake, died Monday, March 8, 2011, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

A gathering of friends, sharing of memories and Celebration of Life service for Maxine was held Monday, March 14, at the Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. Inurnment took place at the Ventura Cemetery.

Doris Maxine DuClos was born on Oct. 6, 1929, in Clear Lake, the daughter of Lloyd Merle and Antha Mae (Shuck) Ringgenberg. Maxine attended school in Ventura and earned her GED at N.I.A.C.C. in Mason City. She was united in marriage to Lewis James DuClos on Aug. 14, 1954 in Manly. He preceded her in death. During her life Maxine worked as a waitress for various restaurants which include Maid Rite Café in Mason City, The Pantry in Clear Lake, the Clear Lake Bakery, and the Friendly Lounge in Mason City. Maxine also worked for Alexander Battery (Fiber Optics) in Mason City.

Maxine enjoyed dancing, listening to music, especially to Dick & Jo’s Home Grown Band, playing cards, cooking, baking, and she loved animals, but her great love and enjoyment was her family and grandchildren.

In her earlier years, Maxine was a member of United Brethren Methodist Church in Clear Lake, and the United Methodist Church in Ventura.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Diane DuClos of Clear Lake, and Doreen Pasieka of Laredo, Texas; daughter-in-law, Darlene DuClos of Clear Lake; six grandchildren, Bernard “BJ” Sawtelle and Lucas Sawtelle of Rockford, Ill., Christopher DuClos, Sara (Jordan) Banks, and Rachel DuClos all of Clear Lake, and Jennifer Pasieka of Norwalk, Conn.; numerous great-grandchildren; her sister, Almeda “Pete” (Lefty) Lewis of Mason City, and Bertus (Bob) Daniels of Hollandale, Minn., as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; two children, Debra Sawtelle and David DuClos; a granddaughter, Shannon DuClos; brother and sister-in-law, Cecil and Jeanne Ringgenberg, and a sister, Lucille “Tootie” Winters.

John A. Holmes

John A. Holmes, 80, of Clear Lake and formerly of Hudson, Iowa, died Thursday, March 10, 2011 in Mason City, Iowa.

Celebration of his life was held Tuesday, March 15, at the Hudson Community Church. Family suggests memorials to John A. Holmes Memorial Fund.

John was born Jan. 27, 1931 on the family farm in rural Dows, Wright County, Iowa, the son of Oscar and Ruth (Emerson) Holmes. He graduated from Dows High School, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa where he received his Masters in Education. John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Virginia “Ginger” Shanks Feb. 22, 1959 in Rudd, Iowa.

John dedicated many years to education. He began teaching agriculture in Rudd in 1958 and came to Hudson in the fall of 1960, working at Hudson Community Schools as teacher, guidance counselor, coach and high school principal. In the early 1970’s John went to Hawkeye Institute of Technology as Director of Health Programs. John committed himself to expanding and enhancing the quality of health programs. He enjoyed retirement beginning in 1993.

John was a member of the First Congregational Church, Clear Lake. While living in Hudson he was a member of the Hudson Community Church. He lived his deep faith, serving the church in a variety of capacities including as president of the church council. His community involvement included terms on the school board and Hudson city council. He was currently a member of the Harbourage Board of Directors.

He loved watching athletic and cultural events of all kinds, especially when it involved his children and grandchildren or Iowa State. He held Cyclone Football season tickets for several decades. Still the real twinkle in his eye appeared when he spoke of his family. John dedicated himself to creating quality time in all factors of his life; work, pleasure, family, church and friends.

John is survived by his wife, Ginger, Clear Lake; two children, Linda Braden and her husband, Reed, Hudson, and Michael Holmes and his wife, Janine Shovein, Shakopee, Minn.; five grandchildren, Adam Braden, Amy (Braden) Minkoff and her husband, Mike, and Andrew Braden, Ian Holmes and Anna Holmes; one great-grandson, Easton Minkoff; one brother, Charles Holmes and his wife, Leola, Dows, Iowa; one sister, Mary Eliason, Clarion, Iowa; mother-in-law, Careldena Shanks, Rudd, and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; one brother-in-law, Bill Eliason and his father-in law, Roger Shanks.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Helen M. Henderson

Helen M. Henderson, 97, 501 S. Kentucky, Mason City, Iowa died Monday, March 14, 2011 at the Heritage Care Center, Mason City.

A funeral Mass was held Friday, March 18, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake with Msgr. Joseph Slepicka officiating. Interment was at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Helen M. Henderson Memorial Fund.

Helen was born April 8, 1913 in Wesley, Iowa, the daughter of Gustav and Ellen (Uhlenhake) Brandt. She attended schools in Wesley. Helen married Howard W. Henderson on April 15, 1934 in Wesley. They lived in Clear Lake, moving to Mason City in 1969. She enjoyed gardening, raising house plants and cooking. Helen was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City.

Helen is survived by five children John J. (Cleo) Henderson, Rochester, Minn., Sharon (Robert) Hadacek, Forest City, Iowa, Mary (Gary) Malfero, Mason City, Dan (Bonnie) Henderson, Ireton, Iowa and David (Laura) Henderson, Mason City; 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Lou Hannafan, Clinton, Iowa; sister-in-law, Naomi Brandt, Clear Lake, and several nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband (1974); two sisters, Verna Mae Beeler and Catherine Fluhrer; three brothers, Louis Brandt, John Brandt and Gustav Brandt Jr.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy V. Frein　

Dorothy V. Frein, 88, of Forest City, Iowa died Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 14 at St. James Catholic Church in Forest City with Fr. Donald Hertges and Msgr. John W. Hemann as concelebrants. Burial was at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Garner, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or to the donor's choice.

Dorothy Veronica Frein

Dorothy Veronica Frein, the daughter of Frank and Vera (Engstler) Rayhons, was born March 27, 1922 on a farm northwest of Garner. She graduated from Hayfield Consolidated School in 1940. After graduation she was employed in Garner at Iowa Electric Light and Power Company. On July 25, 1944 she was married to Donald Frein at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. They started farming on the family farm northwest of Garner and later moved to a farm south of Forest City. After Don passed away on Oct. 16, 1963, she continued to farm with the help of her children and relatives. In 1969 she started working as a cook at the Forest City Community Schools and later as a secretary. In 1975, she moved to a home in Forest City. After retiring in 1989 she did volunteer work for her church and for Hospice of North Iowa. Dorothy was an avid gardener and loved making quilts. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and many friends.

She was a member of St. James Catholic Church and served on the first parish council. Dorothy was very strong in faith and prayed the rosary every day.

Dorothy is survived by her four children, Kathy (Jim) Matson of Clear Lake, Tom (Charlene) Frein of Plainsboro, N.J., Jim (Donna) Frein of Clive, Iowa and Don Frein of Farmington, Minn.; grandchildren, Sheila (Brad) Baldwin and their two daughters, Sasha and Kira, Amy (Adam) Butterfield and their son, Michael, Kristina (Chris) Nolte and their son, Hunter, Kimberly (Jeremy) Anzevino and their three children, Cristiano, Santino and Maria, Jamie (Jeff) Granowski, Gregory (Nicole) Frein, Christopher Frein (fiancée, Casey Ingram), Amanda (Matt) Fowles and their two children, Grady and Braylin, Andrea Frein, Brenton Frein, Donella (Dustin) Olson and Amanda (Brandon) Tweitbakk; two sisters, Arlene Frein of Garner and Veronica Horecka of Spokane, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents; son, Gary in 2000; granddaughter, Lynda Frein in 2000; and a brother, Frank Rayhons, Jr.

Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of arrangements.

Larry M. Stark

Larry M. Stark, 72, Clear Lake, formerly from Webster City, Iowa died Sunday, March 20, 2011, at Hancock County Memorial Hospital and Health Services.

Memorial services were held at Asbury United Methodist Church Saturday, March 26 with the Rev. Diana Hoover of Clear Lake United Methodist Church officiating.

Larry M. Stark, son of Edward and Cleo (Morrison) Stark was born Jan. 2, 1939 at Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up on a farm and graduated from Panora High School in 1957. He attended Simpson College and married Rosalie Cory.

Larry started working for Guthrie County in 1958 and later he worked for Hamilton County as assistant county engineer. He received his land surveyors certification and started his own land surveying company, Stark’s Land Surveying. He later sold the business and retired to Clear Lake.

He served on the Webster City Council, was a member of Webster City Lions Club, was active in Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. He had an avid interest in hunting, fishing and racing. Larry was a member of Clear Lake United Methodist Church.

Larry is survived by his three children, Mike (Rhonda) Stark, Panora, Iowa, DeAnn (Jim) Travis, Granbury, Texas, and Todd (Kim) Stark, Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Dan (Dana) Stark, Panora, Brad Stark, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Alexandra and Luke Travis, Granbury, Texas, Max and Gracie Stark, Cedar Rapids; a sister, Mary (Paul) Peterson, Des Moines; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a special friend,
Jeri Dockhorn, Clear Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles.

Memorials are being accepted in lieu of flowers and will be directed towards providing a memorial bench for a Hamilton County Conversation Park and/or Clear Lake.

Catherine M. Johnston


Catherine M. Johnston, 81, of Clear Lake and Waterloo, Iowa passed away Friday, March 25, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.

A funeral service was held Monday, March 28, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake with Chaplain Doreen Dorenkamp officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to the American Heart Association and Opportunity Village in Clear Lake.

Catherine Marie Jungling was born on June 27, 1929 in Cedar Falls, Iowa to Henry and Albertdeana (Tjebkes) Jungling. She was one of nine children. She attended high school and graduated from Cedar Falls High School. Catherine was united in marriage to Donald Johnston on April 4, 1946.

For 28 years Catherine worked for Sears Department Store until her retirement. After she and Donald retired they lived in Clayton, Iowa where they spent many hours volunteering in the town cemetery. Catherine loved gathering various angels and bells for her collections. She also enjoyed fillet crocheting and making different afghans, quilts, and purses in her spare time. She even had her purses for sale in local stores in Clear Lake. Any chance they had, she and Donald loved to go fishing.

In later years Catherine would help her son, Terry, with his dog grooming business, Johnston’s Pet Grooming, in both Clear Lake and Waterloo.

Catherine was a very social gal and loved to joke around. One of her greatest enjoyments were her pet dogs, Annie and Maggie.

Those grateful in sharing in Catherine’s life are her sons, Terry Johnston and Tim (Chris) Johnston; grandchildren, Nick, Jennifer (Ryan), and Catherine; great-grandchildren, Christian and Mya; and her beloved dog, Annie.